Tactile Sensing Research Engineer

About the role

We’re building humanoid robots that work in homes, doing chores and freeing up people's time. It’s challenging but rewarding. We started in 2014 and are now ready to ship our flagship product, NEO, a home robot designed to move, learn, and interact with families. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team pushing the boundaries of robotics and AI.

About The Team

1X Labs focuses on providing the science and technology needed for human-level, general-purpose humanoids. We bridge the gap between current robotic capabilities and human performance through deep research, rigorous experimentation, and rapid iteration. The sensing systems we develop are integral to the robots' capabilities, shaping what they can perceive, understand, and manipulate.

Charter

Advance tactile sensing toward human-level capability by developing sensing systems that capture the structure and dynamics of physical contact. Focus on understanding fundamental performance limits, eliminating bottlenecks, and systematically improving sensing performance across various parameters.

Key Outcomes

• Deliver successive generations of tactile sensing systems demonstrating measurable improvements in performance and robustness.
• Establish rigorous benchmarking methodologies against human tactile capabilities and other state-of-the-art sensing technologies.
• Identify and overcome fundamental limitations in tactile sensing architectures, materials, and transduction approaches.
• Generate experimental evidence guiding research decisions and enabling confident technology down-selection.
• Successfully transition promising tactile sensing concepts into viable paths for integration with robotic manipulation systems.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated high-impact contributions to tactile sensing or related sensing technologies through publications, patents, deployed systems, or equivalent technical achievements.
• Proven experience developing sensing technologies through multiple generations of design, fabrication, and validation.
• Strong hands-on experience building and testing physical sensing systems.
• Track record of identifying and overcoming fundamental performance limitations in sensing technologies.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with soft, compliant, or bio-inspired materials in sensing applications.
• Familiarity with robotic manipulation, dexterous hands, or human-machine interaction systems.
• Experience developing custom electronics, transduction systems, or signal-processing pipelines for sensing applications.
• Background in biomechanics, neuroscience, haptics, or biologically inspired sensing systems.

What does a successful 1X Team Member look like?

Successful 1X Team Members are builders who move fast, own their work completely, and prioritize time management. They communicate openly, finish tasks, and maintain high standards. They are committed to reality, using experiments to settle debates, and focusing equally on understanding failures and successes.

Compensation Range

$200,000 - $250,000 + Equity

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options.
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking).
• Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support.
• Onsite snacks and catered lunches.

Equal Opportunity Employer

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.